North DakotaNorth Dakota lawmakers must study managing water by watershed boundaries
North Dakota's legislative study body must examine whether water management should follow watersheds, areas that drain to a common place, instead of local government borders.
What it does
During 2025–26, lawmakers must study managing water by natural drainage areas instead of local government borders. They must submit findings, recommendations, and any legislation needed to carry them out.
Argument forThe study could help lawmakers assess whether following natural drainage boundaries would better coordinate water decisions across local government borders.
Argument againstThe required review could take lawmakers' time without producing changes in water management or residents' options for resolving disputes.
More detail
Legislative Management, the legislature's study body, must assess whether assigning authority to manage water by watershed boundaries is workable and worthwhile. The study covers North Dakota's waters and compares natural drainage areas with local government boundaries. The review must cover nearby states' approaches and watershed boards' powers, duties, and structure. It must also examine residents' dispute options, how water projects move forward, and the Department of Water Resources' role in mapping and establishing watershed boundaries. The study must take place between regular sessions during 2025–26. The report and any needed legislation must go to the 70th Legislative Assembly.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Apr 21Filed with Secretary Of State 04/17Latest
- Apr 18Signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong 04/17Became Law
- Apr 16Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Apr 15Signed by President
- Apr 15Signed by Speaker
- Apr 11Returned to Senate
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on SB 2210. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 11Second reading, passed, yeas 85 nays 3Passed House
- Apr 10Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 12 0 1Minor
- Mar 6Committee Hearing 09:30
- Feb 18Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources CommitteeMinor
- Jan 29Received from Senate
- Jan 28Second reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 2Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on SB 2210. Result: pass.Upper
- Jan 27Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 6 0 0Minor
- Jan 24Committee Hearing 09:15
- Jan 15Introduced, first reading, referred Agriculture and Veterans Affairs CommitteeIntroduced
Environment & EnergyGovernment & Ethics